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WHAT IS

Blackstone LaunchPad

Blackstone LaunchPad is a campus based entrepreneurship program, accessible by over 500K students globally, designed to support and mentor students, staff and alumni - regardless of major, experience or discipline.

Our economic impact since program inception

15198

ventures

8690

companies (incorporated)

21168

jobs created

THERE IS

Something for Everyone

Just have an idea?

We’ll help you flush out initial concepts and understand the roadmap to execute on it.

Already formed a company?

We can help overcome obstacles as you look to grow and scale your business.

Just curious?

Participate in events, join the online community, or sign up for free mentorship.

1:1 Mentorship

Free + confidential mentorship for individuals or startups at any stage in any industry.

Community

Share knowledge and best practices, post jobs, and find team members across the global network.

Resources/Deals

Great resources and exclusive deals to help you get started from software to online courses.

Online Tools

Use specialized applications and tools to help get your startup off the ground and scale.

Support

As a person and an entrepreneur you are important to us. It doesn't matter if you change your mind about your venture or start a new one that is different. Our role is to empower you with the mindset, skills, resources, and network you need to be successful, regardless of what you're working on.

Confidentiality

Your idea will never be discussed with anyone without your consent, your venture form will be kept private, and we take confidentiality very seriously and all staff have signed NDAs.

Freedom

You are empowered to make all of the decisions about your venture. Our role is to help guide you, and we will never make decisions for you or pressure you to do something you don't want to do.

Trustworthiness

You will be paired with a mentor who does not have any conflicts of interest or personal projects that are similar to yours so that they can be as helpful and objective as possible.

OUR

Global Network

The program is designed to help drive economic development in communities around partner universities increasing the likelihood that students remain and develop their ideas with the region and prepare students to enter the modern workforce with a flexible, entrepreneurial mindset.

Impact and Success

Meet our Blackstone LaunchPad Community

Blackstone LaunchPad is an amazing resource; it gives you the chance to talk to people who have gone through the exact same process that you are currently experiencing, and allows you to learn from their mistakes.

Noam Grebler, UCLA

Blackstone LaunchPad introduced us to a community of powerful resources and other ambitious entrepreneurs, but most importantly, they motivated us to dream big and dare to fail.

Jonathan Lee, University of Southern California

Blackstone LaunchPad is the single best resource for college entrepreneurs.

David Mliglowka, University of Southern California

We first heard about Blackstone LaunchPad shortly after we started our company, The MASH Card, LLC. After participating in the annual Blackstone LaunchPad business plan competition, our relationship with Jan and the entire LaunchPad team has grown significantly. We could not be happier with the way Blackstone LaunchPad has helped us improve our company with its many tools and personal care. This bond will only grow with time and provide more students at the University at Albany the opportunity to have a hands on entrepreneurship experience.

Tiran Koren, University at Albany

Thanks to Blackstone LaunchPad, I learned how to write a business plan, prepare a pitch deck, and compete in the business realm all without ever having attended a business class! I'm so thankful to have access to the mentorship and resources that LaunchPad provides. Recently, my products became listed on Amazon Prime thanks to the connections of Blackstone LaunchPad, which has been a huge driver of sales and awareness for my brands. Thanks Blackstone LaunchPad!

Kaitlin Mogentale, University of Southern California

As I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, I can’t help but think of all the mentorship I’ve received along the way. Not only through Blackstone LaunchPad, but also through resources and faculty researchers at the RNA Institute, and the entrepreneurial environment I’ve found on University at Albany’s campus.

Tony Hoang, University at Albany

Blackstone LaunchPad at UCLA has been an essential resource in helping me codify my product design and decide on the next steps to successfully bring it to market.

Matt Long, UCLA

I ran into Keith Gibson, Assistant Director of Blackstone LaunchPad at UCLA, on one of my first days on campus. When we sat down for a meeting the following week, I received some really thoughtful insight and was connected with several other entrepreneurs on campus at UCLA, and more broadly in my industry of interest. Blackstone LaunchPad also provided me with a free consultation with three attorneys from a local firm who gave great guidance. It's been a wonderful experience that I recommend to any and all aspiring entrepreneurs!

Marcel Salapa, UCLA

Blackstone LaunchPad team has had a hands-on approach ensuring that adequate resources and coaching is in place to help UNIBEES succeed. Blackstone LaunchPad has helped propel UNIBEES forward and are helping numerous other businesses launch.

Abinav Kalidindi, The University of Texas at Dallas

Blackstone LaunchPad has helped our business discover several new opportunities. Coaching sessions have been incredibly valuable and have helped us refocus and advance our business strategy.

Omen Shams, The University of Texas at Dallas

Blackstone LaunchPad is instrumental for fueling and equipping University of Texas at Dallas entrepreneurs with the methodologies and toolsets needed to move from ideation, to creation, to success. We leveraged every available program, from course curriculum to mentor sessions, to successfully launch and grow TraceIT into a $2 million dollar valuation in just 18 months.

Will White, The University of Texas at Dallas

Paul and the LaunchPad team have been truly invaluable in helping my new marketing intelligence software startup get off the ground. We honestly would not be where we are today without them. From business canvassing to financial modeling, to investor introductions, Paul and the LaunchPad are a resource every entrepreneur needs.

Evan Tipton, University of Montana

Working with Blackstone LaunchPad through Pursue your Passions program has been an amazing experience. Without their help, I would have never known how to start making my entrepreneur dreams a reality.

The EPIC Pitch Competition gave me the confidence I needed in order to pitch my business, and talk to people who supported me throughout the entire process.

Kassi Soelter, University of Montana

Blackstone LaunchPad provided mentoring, workshops and organized talks that allowed me to develop my entrepreneurial skills which, I believe, will stay with me regardless of which career path I choose to follow in the end. Their guidance also gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue some startup ideas I had myself which ultimately went on and won some local start-up competitions. The LaunchPad staff is extremely approachable, patient and valuable for all students interested in entrepreneurship, from those with pre-existing and successful businesses, to those who have just the initial seed of an idea.

Des Dolan, National University of Ireland Galway

Powerhouses of the Blackstone LaunchPad program, Mary Carty and Natalie Walsh, gave us an elevated scope from a business point of view. They have invited us to events throughout the year on campus and from that we have gained significant traction, which have led to major connections and further events for the business. This past year, thanks to LaunchPad, two Galway University entrepreneurs ignited the spark and formed an exciting new business.

James O’Driscoll, National University of Ireland Galway

Blackstone LaunchPad at University at Buffalo has been instrumental in Modest Chic Co.’s success. We came with an idea, to create a monthly fashion subscription box for modern Muslim women seeking to be trendy without compromising modesty, and left with a plan. We've received so much assistance and feedback from the team, as well as validation to persevere despite obstacles. Our mentor Chris has been so instrumental in linking us with valuable contacts and guiding us from A to Z. We are constantly pushed and given the tools to reach milestones. We recommend that everyone visit and make their ideas a reality.

Amani Abuhamra, University at Buffalo

The Blackstone LaunchPad is a platform that has not only played a huge role in growing my business venture, but has also helped me grow as an entrepreneur. LaunchPad is a community of like minded people and entrepreneurs that strive to help each other succeed. The connections that I have built and the experiences I have received through the one-on-one mentoring have helped me immensely.

James Harney, University College Cork

Blackstone LaunchPad has played a crucial role in accelerating my venture. Because I was born in Colombia, I have always known the reputation that handcrafted Colombian shoes have had and since I lived in Colombia for a period of time, I was able to see what absolute poverty looks like. That is when I got the idea of building a company that would not only revolutionize the fashion industry, but also generate high paying jobs. These jobs would improve the lives of many Colombians, and provide them with a brighter future for their families. It was clear to me that creating my factory in Colombia was the best decision.

Mayken Giraldo, University of Central Florida

Blackstone LaunchPad has been an absolutely invaluable resource for my entrepreneurial endeavors. I have had the privilege to learn from some of the best mentors in business and I have had access to elite resources to help my ideas flourish. The Blackstone LaunchPad has been an amazing opportunity for me and I strongly recommend it to everyone.

Bill Haig, New York University, Stern School of Business

Valuable advice I have learned from LaunchPad: Start with a problem and develop a solution. If there are people willing to pay for that solution, you've got yourself a business.

Chris Miano, University at Buffalo

The Blackstone LaunchPad has infinitely expanded the otherwise limited amount of resources available to young, first-time entrepreneurs like myself. These resources have given me countless opportunities to learn and grow as an entrepreneur every hour of every day!

Kyra Durko, New York University, Stern School of Business

The first few months of a startup are critical. Blackstone LaunchPad at Trinity College Dublin has supported creative and ambitious students in bringing their ideas to reality, providing extraordinary support for facilities, networking, goal-setting, and ongoing education.

Tadgh Giles, Trinity College Dublin

Blackstone LaunchPad at Trinity encourages student entrepreneurs to accelerate innovative ideas — through ideation and coaching — along the value chain curve and into commercial business propositions. Blackstone LaunchPad at Trinity provides participants with unrivaled access to a diverse ecosystem of local and international support networks, promoting engagement across academic and industry boundaries.

Graham Geoghegan, Trinity College Dublin

LaunchPad gave me access to a vast, extremely valuable network of professionals and subject matter experts.

Sam Lucas, Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University (’16) Entrepreneur and Founder, URSA Outdoor, a collaboration of education, leadership and human power in the great outdoors

The venture coaching helped propel our company and motivated our team to complete a beta version of the calendar.

Waylon Roberts, Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University (’17) Entrepreneur and Founder, POLO, a calendar application that allows friends to know when their free at the same time

The mentoring I received at LaunchPad helped me to organize the foundation of my company and gave me the courage to pursue my dreams.

Meagan Davis, Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University (’16) Entrepreneur and Founder, Disarm Your Heart, a women’s yoga apparel company

Blackstone LaunchPad has been a key component in MSU’s vision to provide an education to our students that prepares them to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities to our students that prepares them to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities they will encounter in an increasing dynamic labor market.

Dr. Robert Mokwa, Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Montana State University

The impact of this program has forever changed the entrepreneurial landscape at Montana State University and has catalyzed a movement in Bozeman and across the state of Montana.

Les Craig, Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University Executive Director

I was first coached at Blackstone LaunchPad when I began and I was so excited with all of the useful information and help that was offered. I then learned even more about entrepreneurship and had the opportunity to serve as a fellow , helping other students launch their businesses. Blackstone LaunchPad has played a valuable and important role in the launch and growth of my business.

Blackstone LaunchPad has exposed to me to so many amazing opportunities and resources. I have the opportunity to commercialize technology the right way and follow a tried and true method of business creation.

Blackstone LaunchPad bridges the gap between learning about entrepreneurship and starting innovative companies that generate wealth and enhance the prosperity of our community

John Hitt, President, University of Central Florida

Having a support community of talented entrepreneurs, insightful mentors and supportive friends proved to be one of the most beneficial components to our early stage success. Blackstone LaunchPad has succeeded in attracting both a tight-knit and incredibly innovative group of students to cheer each other on from the sidelines. Without a community and team like Blackstone LaunchPad, many ideas would have remained ideas.

Blackstone LaunchPad helped us with brainstorming, founder’s dilemmas, pitching, creating a business model and plan, marketing and much more.

Sarah Weingust, Blackstone LaunchPad at USC (’16) Entrepreneur and Founder and CEO, HostelPass, a pre-paid pass for accommodation at the best hostels in Europe

Blackstone LaunchPad helped us refine our business plan and pitch. Through the process, our team has grown stronger and is better equipped to take on the challenges of starting up a company in healthcare.

One of the key things a start-up should be focused on is surviving. Blackstone LaunchPad has given us the resources and mentorship to survive through tougher times and thrive in the good times. It is rare to receive what Blackstone LaunchPad gives without giving salary or equity.

Kyle Walden, Blackstone LaunchPad at USC (’16) Entrepreneur and Founder, KrafftIT/INHALE, a unique solution to air pollution and air quality

Blackstone LaunchPad is a vital and visible component of the USC entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the first point of contact for students with early stage concepts, Blackstone LaunchPad has encouraged, coached, and accelerated hundreds of students, many of who have forged ahead with their businesses.

David Belasco, Executive Director, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, USC Marshall School of Business and Executive Director, Blackstone LaunchPad at USC

Blackstone LaunchPad has been extremely helpful and gracious in guiding me through parts of my journey. We have discussed product and marketing strategies as well as tips for my pitch deck. I applied to the Summer Accelerator program and they also introduced me to Amazon Launchpad – a new program for innovative products on the market.

Blackstone LaunchPad has helped us expand on the proven success of our Startup UCLA Summer Accelerator by offering entrepreneurial space and services throughout the year to a much broader range of clients. It has also enabled us to move to amazing facilities located in the heart of student living units on campus, allowing us become a vital hub for student-led meetings and events.

Tim Groeling, Faculty Advisor, Professor of Communication Studies

Blackstone LaunchPad at UCLA provides a key service to UCLA students. At UCLA, we pride ourselves on providing students with the platform they will need to succeed in life after graduation. The philosophy and approach of Blackstone LaunchPad —as an educational approach to entrepreneurship—meshes well with the teaching and research mission of UCLA. By encouraging students to take a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative approach to risk taking, Blackstone LaunchPad provides students with the skills and experience they need to thrive.

Pat Turner, Vice Provost & Dean, Undergraduate Education

Blackstone LaunchPad is a really great resource at UCLA because it helps connect aspiring entrepreneurs. The culture is very warm and they take the time to get to know everyone and genuinely connect people. With this type of approach, I think they are going to help more entrepreneurs gain confidence in bringing forward new ideas.

Blackstone LaunchPad has allowed for Pyur Solutions to network with seasoned entrepreneurs and VC’s giving us both mentorship and an outlet to move beyond the classroom as a way to experience business rather than read business in textbooks.

Blackstone LaunchPad has changed my outlook on what the future holds for our generation of University graduates entering the workforce, as-well as the value of innovation not only as a skil, but a necessity.

The introduction of Blackstone LaunchPad at NUI Galway has had a significant impact on the student population in making students across the University aware of the opportunities and supports available to them if they wish to pursue and develop a business idea.

Michael Champion, Lecturer Business School, NUI Galway

Blackstone LaunchPad at NUI Galway has in a very short period of time become a key initiative in NUI Galway promoting a dynamic culture of entrepreneurship and creativity among undergraduate students. The experiential component of the program is transformative in terms of equipping our students with real experience, practical skills and more applied thinking.

Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research and Innovation, NUI Galway

It was incredibly helpful to have somebody look at my business and give me constructive criticism. The staff at Blackstone LaunchPad had the resources and knowledge to help me identify aspects of my business that most needed improving, and even better, they were able to help me improve or put in contact with somebody who could help me improve. As a result, I am more focused on how to improve my business and where I am going with the business.

Through my work with Blackstone LaunchPad at NUI Galway, I have not only gained a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship, and how it can be fostered within an educational setting, but I have also made friends and connections that will last a lifetime. Though the mentoring and support network of LaunchPad, I have also been able to progress my business to the next level.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation

“

"Fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs is critical, which is why we are investing in Blackstone LaunchPad to help young entrepreneurs harness their talents and transform creative ideas into viable companies."

- Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder, Blackstone

Blackstone LaunchPad is an experiential campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets through individualized coaching, ideation and venture creation support. Developed as part of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative and modeled after a successful program at the University of Miami, the program is will be available to over 500,000 by the end of 2015. Influenced by the enterprising heritage of Blackstone and its founders, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation is directing the firm’s resources and intellectual capital to support entrepreneurship nationwide and globally.